Japan: miners suffering from black lung disease gain suit at law

Japan: miners suffering from black lung disease gain suit at law

The Tokyo District Court told the government to pay part of the compensation sought in a lawsuit on behalf of 49 former tunnel project construction workers who developed the disease, according to court documents viewed by The Associated Press.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe told reporters he was aware of the ruling, but declined to comment until he had a chance to review it. Health Minister Jiro Kawasaki also declined to comment for the same reason.

The court ordered compensation totaling 69.3 million yen (US$600,000; Ђ 470,000) on behalf of 44 of the plaintiffs, the court documents said. It denied compensation for the remaining five miners.